Royals sign Jeremy Guthrie

[BlackHelicopters]

I hope Guthrie figured it out. Odd structure in last two years leads me to believe he will be gone by trade deadline in 2014. I am optimistic, but also realistic. I hope I am wrong.

[KevB]

I think most believed 3 for 24 was what it would take to sign him, and it's right on that number. Not a terrible deal, but as SK said, we might not be thrilled during his age 36 season.

[duncan_idaho]

I like it.

Bringing back Guthrie is a big step, and I'm interested to see how that third year is arranged. (EDIT: Jeremy Guthrie's deal is 3 years, $25 million according to Bob Dutton)

So, we know the rotation is going to include:

Santana
Guthrie

With Chen and Mendoza both in the running for a likely rotation spot. Hopefully, this signals the end for Luke Hochevar or a non-tender offer for Luke Hochevar.

[tomahawk kid]

Boy, if they could just bring in one more frontliner - that might be enough to compete assuming Santana is servicable.

Marcum maybe? Hometown kid - coming off injury, would probably sign at a discount.

[KevB]

For reference, 2012 pitcher salaries (keep in mind, this doesn't account for years on each player's deal - some better than others):

pitcher salaries

[duncan_idaho]

I am now going to move on to dreaming about a trade for David Price...

[CaliforniaChief]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

I am now going to move on to dreaming about a trade for David Price...

FAP City

We've got all our major trade pieces still in hand.

[Saul Good]

I like it. The third year may signal that we are serious about doing what it takes given the reality of free agency.

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

Always liked Jeremy Glad he got a good deal.

[Toadkiller]

If it pushes Luke off the team I am all for it. Also the low first year leaves money for another starter this year.

[siberian khatru]

As expected, Royals Review is melting down about this.

[siberian khatru]

greg schaum greg schaum ‏@Greg_Schaum

Plenty smoke KC not done- TB a hot team for KC- Shields, Archer, Colome, Markel and INF Lee mentioned ( Hosmer and/ or Myers would go)

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

greg schaum greg schaum ‏@Greg_Schaum

Plenty smoke KC not done- TB a hot team for KC- Shields, Archer, Colome, Markel and INF Lee mentioned ( Hosmer and/ or Myers would go)

Hosmer for Shields and Archer would be a decent deal.

Really though, if the Royals are going to deal Hosmer, I would think they could get Hellickson for him.

Hosmer for Hellickson and Archer would be a really nice deal for the Royals and it would be a pretty smart move for the Rays as well.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Hosmer for Shields and Archer would be a decent deal.

Really though, if the Royals are going to deal Hosmer, I would think they could get Hellickson for him.

Hosmer for Hellickson and Archer would be a really nice deal for the Royals and it would be a pretty smart move for the Rays as well.

I could stomach Hosmer for Hellickson and Archer. Hosmer for Hellickson straight-up would be tough to take.

I'm not a huge believer in Hellickson's ability to outpitch his peripherals long-term.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

I could stomach Hosmer for Hellickson and Archer. Hosmer for Hellickson straight-up would be tough to take.

I'm not a huge believer in Hellickson's ability to outpitch his peripherals long-term.

You have to trust his stuff over his peripherals.

I had a long-ass post on this very thing in the other Royals thread when you were asking what tradeable assets the Royals had...before a crybaby **** of a mod banned me and I couldn't get it posted. The exact proposal was Hosmer for Hellickson and Archer.

My position was that Hosmer has 2 years of service time and is a Borass client. Hellickson has 2 years as well. Borass won't allow his client to extend in KC before his FA period, so you're looking at having to shop him in 2 or 3 seasons anyway.

I know it sucks to have to view the world that way, but I like Myers and Moose's upside more and those are guys the Royals will have to throw a bunch of money at to extend. Can they do that AND sign Hosmer out of the FA market? It sure seems unlikely.

So why not deal him for a power-armed starter that's proven to be durable and has definite #2 starter stuff.

You argue that Hellickson outpitches his peripherals when I think there's a sound argument to be made that Hellickson's peripherals simply don't match his ability. He should be as good as his ERA indicates. His stuff absolutely allows for that. With some adjustments in his approach and refinement to his breaking stuff, he has ace-caliber upside. Better still, he has youth on his side and plenty of time to reach that upside still.